The defensive lineman is also seeking a lucrative new contract and has a high-profile agent trying to secure it.

Casey doesn’t want to be a big headache for the Titans, however. There was never a question about whether he would show up when training camp kicked off last Saturday. Rather than trying to force the issue, he set out to prove he’s still a force for the defense even though he’s playing a new position.

“Nah, I’m not that type of dude,” Casey said about a potential holdout. “I love to play the game of football and I don’t want to miss a beat. It’s a new defense, so why would I take that time off? I want to be here with my guys.”

Casey, a third-round pick in 2011, is scheduled to make $1.43 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract. He’s underpaid compared to some of the league’s other top-performing defensive linemen. Some of the best in the game are making more than five times his salary.

Last season he racked up 10.5 sacks and 90 stops, but did not make the AFC Pro Bowl team. This season, he’s switching from a 4-3 defensive tackle to a defensive end in a 3-4 front.

During the offseason the Titans let agent Drew Rosenhaus know they are interested in re-signing Casey long-term. Such negotiations take time, however, and come with no guarantees a deal will be reached.

As the Titans know, these situations can turn ugly.

Running back Chris Johnson held out for all of training camp in 2011 before he was rewarded with a new contract. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan, unhappy with his contract, walked out of training camp the same year, only to return a day later. (He never got the deal he wanted from the Titans.) Back in 2001, cornerback Samari Rolle left training camp during a contract dispute.

There are no indications a deal between the Titans and Casey is imminent, but the talks are positive for now.

Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said Casey’s attitude has been “outstanding.”

“Human nature shows you it’s on his mind, but he is working. It hasn’t come up,” Whisenhunt said. “I think it is obvious both sides are interested in getting something done. But right now it’s about playing football, and he seems focused on that. And I respect the heck out of that.”

Cornerback Jason McCourty followed a similar approach when his rookie deal was close to expiring. He landed a $43 million extension in 2012.

“I am not going to say there is a right or a wrong way to do things. But the type of guy Jurrell is, he wants to be here and be with his teammates,” McCourty said. “There’s guys all around the league holding out, and I wouldn’t say that’s the wrong way. In this game, it’s kind of tough to go out there and risk injury when you’ve outplayed your contract.

“But I am excited to see Jurrell here; he is one of the most dominating players we have on our team. After the year he had last year, to have him come back this year and work harder, it is exciting to see.”

Casey, who started 45 of a possible 48 games in his first three seasons, has been impressive early in camp. He reported at 291 pounds, down 15 from last season, and has been a regular visitor to the offensive backfield during drills.

He hasn’t been a regular visitor to general manager Ruston Webster’s office, however. Casey instructed Rosenhaus to give him contract updates only if there’s something he needs to know.

“He is a great agent, and he is going to get the job done. I get to focus on football, and that will make his job a little easier. As long as I go out there and compete in the field, I’ll make his arguments greater,” Casey said.